Inhibition of carbon steel corrosion by azathione derivatives in organic acid solutions

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the inhibitive effect of azathiones, namely cyclopentyl‐tetrahydro‐azathione, cyclohexyl‐tetrahydro‐azathione and isobutyl‐methyl‐tetrahydro‐azathione on the corrosion of carbon steel in formic and acetic acid solution. The effect of inhibitor concentration, immersion time, acid concentration, and solution temperature on the inhibition efficiencies of the selected azathiones were studied systematically.Design/methodology/approachThe synthesis of inhibitor was confirmed by methods such as Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance studies. All inhibition experiments were conducted on carbon steel in 20 percent formic acid and 20 percent acetic acid solution. Weight loss experiments were carried out according to the American Society for Testing and Materials standard procedure. Polarization studies were carried out in a three electrode cell assembly connected to an EG&G Princeton Applied Research potentiostat/galvanostat (model 173). The electrochemical impedance technique was carried out using Zahner IM‐6 electrochemical workstation at a frequency range of 5‐100 Hz. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study was carried out using a VP LEO model no. 435 microscope for the surface characterization of inhibited and uninhibited metal surfaces.FindingsVarious thermodynamic parameters were calculated using weight loss data in order to elaborate the mechanism of corrosion inhibition. Polarization measurements revealed that the studied azathiones acted predominantly as mixed inhibitors. Electrochemical impedance measurements revealed that the compounds were adsorbed onto the carbon steel surface and the adsorption obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The SEM study showed that the inhibited metal surfaces were smoother than were uninhibited metal surfaces.Research limitations/implicationsThe presence of high efficiency and low cost inhibitors is essential for protection of carbon steel. In comparison with conventional carbon steel corrosion inhibitors, these findings would be considered as a step forward in development of new corrosion inhibitor.Originality/valueThis paper reveals that azathiones can be used successfully for the protection of carbon steel surfaces exposed in acid solution.